Teeth Whitening

Is your smile feeling faded? Teeth yellow naturally from daily use, and it is never a pretty site. Some of our patients find that these stains are worse from habits including drinking coffee, tea, or smoking. We can help whiten your smile.

Have your found yourself wondering if store bought whitening products really work and if they worth the cost? Jukka J. Perkiomaki, DMD, offers both in office and at home teeth whitening options. Working with our Portland office means that he will answer your questions and monitor your progress. Most over the counter products contain 5-10% peroxide. Dentist prescribed whitening kits for at-home whitening contains from 3% to 20% peroxide, for In-office treatments we are able to increase that amount to 15% to 43% peroxide depending on your needs. Whitening only works on your teeth, it will not whiten porcelain crowns or composite tooth-colored bondings.

Can I Whiten my Teeth at Home?

At home whitening lets you control the results. Our kit is designed for you, it is not a one size fits all remedy. Dr. Perkiomaki will create your tray to fit your mouth. You are sent home with the tray and a whitening gel that has been approved by Dr. Perkiomaki. At home, you control when and how often you want to whiten. You decide when you have the results you desire.

What is the In-Office Teeth Whitening Process?

Our in office whitening gets results quickly. We do the work for you and most patients are done in about an hour. Under Dr. Perkiomaki's observation, we are able to use a much stronger gel, this gel is applied to whiten the front eight teeth up to ten shades brighter.

How can I Avoid Future teeth staining?

You can help keep your teeth white by avoiding certain foods. Staining comes from foods that are acidic or have tannin, including:

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Berries, blackberries, etc

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Teas, including black teas

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Coffee

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Wine

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Sports drinks

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Energy drinks

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Carbonated beverages, both dark and light colors

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Sauces (curry, soy and tomato)

Teeth whitening may make your teeth sensitive temporarily. Please follow the instructions given and follow with care.

Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?

Many people come into our office wondering if store bought products work. While store-bought products can be effective up to a point, they simply do not deliver the same results as professional whitening treatment. For instance, whitening toothpaste does seem to slightly whiten teeth by removing surface stains, like those caused by coffee or tobacco use. However, these toothpastes do not change the natural color of your teeth or remove stains that go deeper than the surface of your tooth. Most whitening toothpaste contain special abrasives that gently polish the teeth. They also have chemicals that help to break down or dissolve stains. It is important to note that they do not contain peroxide. If you are considering a whitening toothpaste, we recommend you use a brand that is approved by the ADA.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

The effects of professional whitening treatment are generally thought to last up to three years. However, the whitening process is ongoing. Unfortunately, there is no permanent solution to long-term stains or discolorations. Fading is inevitable but can be reduced with a good oral hygiene regimen. Response to treatment also varies from patient to patient. Your teeth are less likely to stay white if you continue to smoke, eat, or drink products that are known to cause stains.

Does Smoking or Smokeless Tobacco Affect Teeth Whitening?

The short answer: yes. Smoking and smokeless tobacco can significantly affect your teeth whitening. However, it does not affect it as much as we previously believed. This is not an excuse to keep using tobacco products. The harmful effects of tobacco use still far outweigh any personal satisfaction you receive from nicotine. Tobacco has been linked to several forms of oral cancer, as well as pulmonary disease, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and many more conditions. If you want to keep a bright, beautiful smile and improve your oral and overall health, we strongly recommend you avoid using tobacco products.

Is Bleaching the Same as Whitening?

According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” should only be applied to products that can whiten your teeth beyond their natural color. For instance, any whitening products that have active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. “Whitening” is a term that can only be used to describe products that remove stains and return teeth to their natural color. Most “whitening” products include strips, gels, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Talk with Dr. Perkiomaki to learn more about the differences between whitening and bleaching.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Appointment

One of the most common complaints we receive at J.J. Perkiomaki DMD PC involves the shade of our patient’s teeth. Most patients want their teeth to be as bright and beautiful as possible. If you would like to increase the whiteness of your teeth by up to eight shades in a single session, we can help. We offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening kits to give you a smile you want! If you would like to experience the power of professional whitening, call (503) 292-8996, and schedule your appointment today!